Sidney wiped at her eyes. “Then why does it hurt so much?”

“Growth is often hard.”

“Is it hard on you?”

Bette’s eyes were heavy and her shoulders sagged. “It’s incredibly hard on me. But I realize that I have to keep going. Every day, I have to keep pushing myself. Maybe one day it’ll get easier.”

Sidney was quiet, still nibbling on her food. She felt Bette’s hair, rubbing the ends between her fingers. “Your hair is getting long and shaggy. Your ends are split. I’m going to make an appointment for you.”

Bette shook her head. “You don’t have to do that.”

“It’s the least I can do. I’ll make the appointment and text you the details.”

“Sidney…”

“No, Bette. I’ve got it. Just let me do this one thing. Okay? Please? I need to do this, okay?”

Bette sipped her water. “Okay.”

“Thank you.”

“And don’t worry about work. I called James and he’s been keeping everything moving. He’s getting contracts signed and having the set designers finalize their plans. Everything will be ready for you, when you’re ready to go back.”

Bette remembered Dana tell her that Sidney was an incredible artist. “How is your work? What piece are you working on?” asked Bette.

“I’m bouncing between three at the moment. But I promise they will all be completed by next Friday. Everything will be ready for the art review. You’ll have plenty of time to peruse the work. I’m still open to your feedback.”

Bette nodded. She was only dimly aware of what Sidney meant. I guess I really do need that information link. Bette laughed internally. Information link. I sound like everyone else in this goddamned twilight zone.

“Well, I can’t wait to see it.”

They chatted a little while longer, skimming the surface of topics that seemed safe. Sidney cleaned up their meal and stayed with Bette for a few hours more. They had moved to the living room, drinking tea with honey and sharing a bowl of microwaved popcorn. As they settled into a simple movie they’d both seen a million times, Bette found herself lying on the sofa, her head in Sidney’s lap. Her wife stroking her hairline along the temple.